LAKEWOOD, N.J. -- The Lakewood BlueClaws (Class A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies) have announced the hiring of Brandon Marano, who takes over as the team's new General Manager, effective immediately. The announcement was made Wednesday by Team President Joe Finley.

Marano, previously the team's Assistant General Manager of Operations, becomes the second General Manager in team history.

He takes over for Geoff Brown, the GM since November of 1999. Brown announced his resignation on January 22nd and accepted a position as Senior Associate Athletic Director/Chief Marketing Officer with Rutgers University.

"This is an extraordinary opportunity and one that I am humbled to accept," said Marano, a life-long Jersey Shore resident. "I have worked with Geoff for 12 years and have seen the extent of his impact on the BlueClaws and the area in general.

"As they say, however, 'The Show Must Go On,' and it will. BlueClaws fans are the best in Minor League Baseball and they deserve the tremendous organization and entertainment that we plan to provide.

"We also look forward to continuing our working relationships with the Township of Lakewood, our corporate partners, and the Phillies."

Finley added: "Having worked with Brandon for more than a decade, I've seen first-hand how valuable he is to the organization and the quality of his work. He has earned this opportunity over the past 12 seasons and we couldn't be more excited to usher in the next era of BlueClaws baseball."

One of the first employees hired by the BlueClaws, Marano has been with the team since September of 2000, seven months before their first game in April of 2001. He has overseen the Operations Department, including ballpark maintenance and gameday staff, since the team's inception, while also serving as a member of the corporate sales team. He received his promotion to Assistant General Manager in 2006.

Originally from Asbury Park, Marano graduated from Rutgers University in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management.

He currently resides in Brick with his wife Amber, their son Brandon Jr. and their dog Ralphie.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore's top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League in attendance in all 12 years of existence, and in 2013, will host the South Atlantic League All-Star Game for the second time.

Ticket packages and group outings are currently on sale by calling 732-901-7000 option 3 or online at BlueClaws.com.